The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower has been ordered to return to Norfolk early and will arrive before Christmas.

Unfortunately for the families of her crew, the aircraft carrier will only be home for two months before heading back to the Middle East for several more months.

The unusual move is being made to accommodate delays in repair work on the propulsion systems of the USS Nimitz. The Everett, Wash.-based carrier was expected to deploy to the region to relieve Eisenhower early next year. Nimitz is now expected to deploy once repair work is complete.

Bringing the Eisenhower back home to Norfolk in December will permit the Navy to resurface the ship’s flight deck and make it available to return and remain in the Middle East region for several more months. This decision also provides the ship’s crew a welcome holiday respite from what will become nearly 10 months on station.